Process for the preparation of 17alpha-hydroxy-16beta-methyl-20-keto steroids of the5alpha-series



3,040,069 Patented June 19, 1962 United States Patent Qfifice This invention is concerned with improvements in or relating to the preparation of steroid compounds, and, more particularly, with the preparation of 16,8-me'thyl steroid compounds possessing anti-inflammatory and/or adrenocort-ical activity, analogues thereof and intermediates therefor.

Various steroids having a methyl group in the aor ,B-configuration in the l6-position have been described as having important pharmacological properties, and, in general, are said to possess more pronounced anti-inflammatory properties and less undesirable side efiects than the corresponding steroids not possessing the lo-rnethyl group. The preparation of such compounds has hence become of importance.

The preparation of 16-methyl steroids from ll-keto steroids of the 55-pregnane series has been described. However, some substances readily available and hitherto used as starting materials for the manufacture of adrenocortical hormones are members of the Sex-series, an important example of such a substance being hecogenin.

It is thus a general object of the present invention to provide a convenient process for the production of steroids of the Set-series, characterised by possessing a 17ahydroxy-l6B-methyl-20-keto structure, from corresponding steroids of the Soc-series possessing a 16-methyl-l6-en- ZO-keto structure. The production of corresponding compounds in which the methyl group at position 16 has the aconfiguration is the subject of copending application No. 43,290 of even date herewith. 1

Steroid compounds of the Soc-pregnant: series possessing a l6-methy-l-l6-en-20-keto structure can be prepared from raw materials such as hecogenin in various known ways dependent on the nature of the remaining portions of the molecule. Thus, for example, hecogenin acetate can be converted in several steps to form SB-acyIoXY-Sapregna-9(ll):16-dien-20-ones (cf. Djerassi et al., J. Org. Chem. 1951, 16, 1278, and Callow and James 108. 1956, 4739) which can be converted to 3B-acyloxy-16- methyl-5a-pregna-9(l1):l6 dien--ones, for example by the methods described in application No. 43,095, filed July 15, 1960. These last-mentioned intermediates are analogous to intermediates hitherto used in the synthesis of anti-inflammatory compounds. Other similar intermediates in the Suregnane series containing l6-methyl ZO-keto structures are the corresponding 9:11-dichloro compounds and the corresponding compounds containing a saturated Ring C and an oxygen function at position 11. It is hence a specific object of the present invention to provide a means of introducing 17a-hydroxy groups in intermediates of the kind just mentioned of the 50:- pregnane series.

In principle, the process of the present invention involves rearrangement of a 16:l7-epoxy-16B-methyl-20- keto steroid (which can readily be obtained by epoxidation of a A -steroid) followed by hydrogenation of the product to a 17a-hydroxy-l65-methyl-20-keto compound.

The 17a-hydroxy-16fl-methyl-20-keto products according to the invention can be converted into compounds having anti-inflammatory and/or adrenocortical activity in various ways and procedures for such conversions are now well-known. Thus, for example, from the'products according to the invention, one can prepare the 165- rnethyl analogues of cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, prednisolone, the 9-halogen derivatives of such com- 5 pounds, 9:ll-dichloro-ll-desoxyprednisolone and so on.

As will be 8661!,1116 preparation of such compounds from the products according to the invention may require the formation of a 3-keto group, introduction of unsaturation in Ring A, the introduction of the desired substituent(s) in Ring C and the introduction of a hydroxy (or acyloxy) group at position 21, all of which steps can in principle be carried out by procedures hitherto used in the production of anti-inflammatory and/ or adrenocortical hormones. For example, a compound of particular interest is 16,8-

methyl-9a-iluoro-prednisolone acetate which can be prepared from a 3B-acyloxy-17u-hydroxy-1 6,8-methyl-5a-pregna-9(ll)-en-2O-one by hydrolysis of the 3-acyloxy group,

bromination followed by acetoxylation at the 2l-position, formation of the 3-keto group, dibromination and dehydrobrorninating in Ring A to give a A structure, epoxidising the 9( l1)-double bond and then reacting the 9,11- epoxy grouping with hydrogen fluoride to form 165- methyl-9a-fluoro-prednisolone acetate. If desired in any or all of the reactions of this sequence up to and including formation of the S-keto group, the double bond at the 9(11)-position can be protected by dichlorination, the chlorine atoms being subsequently removed, e.g. by hydrogenation. 1

We have found, according to the invention, that rearrangement of 16:17-epoxy-16fi-methyl-20-keto steroids of the Set-series by means of an acid catalyst gives rise to either a l6-methylene compound or a A -compound (or mixtures thereof) according to the conditions of rearrangement and that hydrogenation of either of such compounds in the presence of certain catalysts gives rise to products containing a substantial proportion of l6B- methyl compounds. As an important features ofthe in- 'vention we found further that, for the production of products containing comparatively high proportions of l6fi-methyl compounds as against t-mth.Y1 compounds, it is desirable to carry out the rearrangement of the epoxide under such conditions (hereinafter described) that a product is obtained consisting of as high a proportion-of 16-methylene compound as possible. In other words hydrogenation under the conditions hereinafter set forth of the product of rearrangement of the epoxide gives, one a product which Whilst consisting essentially of a 16,8-methyl compound may contain some l6a-methy-l compound; the proportion of the l6a-methyl compound in the product can however in general be kept low by so conducting the rearrangement that the product thereof is -a 16-methylene compound.

According to theinvention, therefore, there is provided a process for the preparation of 17u-hydroxy-165-methyl- ZO-keto steroids of the 5a-seriesin which a 16:17-epoxy- 16,8-methyl-20-keto steroid of the Set-series is subjected to rearrangement in a solvent medium in the presence of an acid catalyst to form a product comprising a 16- rnethylene or a A -steroid or a mixture thereof which product is then hydrogenated in the presence of a platinum hydrogenation catalyst or a Raney nickel catalyst to yield a product containing a 17a-hydroxy-l6,9-methyl-20-keto steroid.

According to a further feature of the invention the 16:17-epoxy compound is subjected to rearrangement in a solvent medium of low ionising power ie a medium in which the acid catalyst is not freely ionised.

In the process of the invention, therefore, to obtain essentially 16,8-methyl compounds as distinct from 160:- methyl compounds it thus is firstly essential that the hydrogenation step be conducted in the presence of a platinum hydrogenation catalyst or a Raney nickel catathe presence of sodium hydroxide. general selective to double bonds conjugated with a keto lyst, palladium catalysts in general leading to products containing a major proportion of Mot-methyl compounds, and secondly it is preferable to conduct the rearrangement so that the product thereof is substantially a 16'- methylene compound.

The process of the invention can be illustrated diagrammatically as follows, Ring D only of the molecule (A -compound) The process of the invention will now be described in greater detail:

, l. PREPARATION OF 16:17-EPOXY-l6fi-METHYL- ZO-KETO COMPOUNDS OF THE Soc-SERIES FROM THE CORRESPONDING A -COMPOUNDS This reaction is similar to the process described in British specifi'cationNo. 805,497 and involves epoxidation with hydrogen peroxide under alkaline conditions, e.g. in This reaction is in group and hence will not in general cause epoxidation of non-conjugated double bonds present elsewhere in the molecule, e.g. at the 9(l1)-position.

(where R=hydrogen or an acyl group, X is a keto, acyloxy, hydroxy or halogen group, Y is hydrogen or halogen or X and Y together signify a carbon-carbon bond (giving a A901) compound)).

It should be noted that where a compound of this formula is required in which-X and Y are both halogen, it is preferable first to epoxidise the corresponding A -compound and subject the resultant A -l6:17-

epoxide to halogenation, since 9:11-dihalo compounds tend to be unstable to the conditions used to epoxidise the A -double bond.

For similar reasons, compounds in which X is an acyloxy group or a hydroxy group and Y is halogen are also best obtained by epoxidation of a A9(11)16 compound followed by addition of the elements of AcOHal across the double bond, e.g. by the methods described by Robinson et al., J.A.C.S., 1959, 81, 2195 and Fried et al., J.A.C.S., 1957, 79, 1130.

2. REARRANGEMENT OF THE 16:17-EPOXY COMPOUND In principle, this rearrangement involves treatment of the 16: l7-epoxide in a solvent medium with an acid catalyst, which is preferably a strong or moderately strong acid. Suitable acids are, for example, hydrogen bromide, hydrogen chloride, sulphuric acid, perchloric acid or formic acid. Mineral acids are generally to be preferred.

We find that Where the rearrangement is carried out in the presence of a solvent medium of low ionising power a product is obtained on rearrangement which tends to have a high proportion of 16-methylene compound. By theterm solvent medium of low ionising power, we means such media wherein the acidcatalyst is not freely ionised. Preferred solvents for this purpose are the ethers, e.g. diethyl ether, di-isopropyl ether, especially the cyclic ethers, such as dioxan, tetrahydrofman, etc. Where the rearrangement is carried out in other media of stronger ionising power, e.g. acetic acid, products containing lesser proportions of 16-methylene compound are in general obtained. 7

Where the medium is one of compartively strong ionising power i.e. one in which the acid used can freely ionise, the product of the rearrangement is in general substantially the A -compound. Such media include media consisting of or containing hydroxylic solvents e.g.

methanol or ethanol as well as aqueous media;

In general, hydrogen bromide is the preferred acid for effecting the rearrangement as it appears to provide the most constant results of acids so far examined. The reaction is conveniently car ried out at temperatures of between 15-30? C. The course of the reaction is best followed by observation of the change in specific rotation of the reaction mixture since the rotation of the desired product is in general, lower than that of the starting epoxide or any side products.

If the product of the rearrangement is a mixture of A and l6-methylene compound this can be separated e.g. by fractional crystallisation.

16-methylene compounds can be conveniently distinguished from ri -compounds by comparison of infrared spectra. in particular the 16-methylene compounds possess a marked band at about 9 10 cmr 3. HYDROGENATION OF THE PRODUCT OF THE REARRANGEMENT STAGE 2 TO A l6-METHYL COMPOUND As stated above the hydrogenation according to the invention must be carried out in the presence of a platinum catalyst or a Raney nickel catalyst. The platinum catalyst may be platinum metalor a supported platinum catalyst e. g., platinised charcoal or platinised silica. Raney nickel catalysts prepared in a conventional manner can be used. Where a platinum catalyst is used the hydrogenation is preferably conducted under neutral or slightly acidic conditions, and with Raney nickel, neutral or basic conditions are preferred. Suitable solvent media for the hydrogenation are for example, tetrahydrofuran, dioxan, ethanol, iso-propanol, t-butanol, ethyl acetate, etc. The hydrogenation is further conveniently elfected at atmospheric temperature and pressure.

It may be noted that where the steroidcontains halogen in the 9- and l7-position, the use of Raney nickel, or platinum with basic condition may result in dehalogenating to a A901) structure.

Where the hydrogenation product contains some 16amethyl compound, separation may be effected as desired,

e.g. by repeated crystallisation. It is sometimes found that slight modification of the molecule may facilitate this separation.

Thus, for example, it is difiicult to purify completely 3 5,17a-dihydrxy-16 fl-methyl-S a-pregn 9 1 1 -en-20-one or its 3-acetate when they are accompanied by minor quantities of the l6a-epimers, although repeated crystallisation from pyridine will purify the acetate. However, conversion to the corresponding 3B,17a-dihydroxy-9,1ldichloro compounds gives a mixture from which the pure 16,6-methyl compound is obtained by crystallisation with out diificulty.

Ids-compounds may be distinguished from 16,8-c0mpounds in various ways, for example by difierences in specific rotation, infra-red spectra md paper chromatography. Thus'in general the specific rotation of a 16,6- cornpound is more positive than that of the corresponding 16u-epimer; in paper chromatography a 16a-c0mpound generally moves faster than the corresponding l6j3-epimer.

In order that the invention may be well understood, the following examples are given by way of illustration only:

Example 1 (A) PREPARATION OF 3B-ACETOXY-1GBMETHYL- 16a. l7a.-EPOXY-5a-PREGN9 (11)EN20ONE 3 fi-acetoxy-16-methyl-5 a-pregna-9( 11) 16-dien 200m (70 g.) was dissolved in a mixture of methanol (2.8 litres) and methylene chloride (350 ml.). 100 vol. hydrogen peroxide (210 ml.) was added, followed by water (450 ml.) and N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (140 ml.) and the mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. A solid had precipitated by the end-of the reaction period and the suspension was poured into water (5.0 litres) and extracted with methylene chloride (4x750 1111.). The extracts were bulked, washed with water (4X 1.0 1.) and the solvent distilled off. The wmte solid residue was dissolved in pyridine (70, ml.) and acetic anhydride (70 ml.) and heated for 0.5 hour, on the steambath. Water (250 ml.) was added and the product filtered off, washed with water (4x100 ml.) and dried at 100 in vacuo for 4 hours to yield 3B-acetoxy-16fimethyl-16m: l7a-epoxy-5 a-pregn-9( 11)-en-20-one (70 g.) MP. 165-167".' The epoxide was recrystallised from methanol (1,700 ml.) filtered off, washed with a little methanol and dried at 100, in vacuo.

Weight=61 g. (83% yield), MP. [a] ='-|65.5 (c, 1 in CHCI (B) REAR-RANGEMENT OF 3fi-ACETOXY-16B-METHYL 16a. 17CL-EPO'XY-5l1-PREGN-9(11)-EN20-ONE 3,8-acetoxy-16fi methyl 160G170: epoxy 50c pre 9(11)-en-20-one (5 g.) in acetic acid (110 ml.) was treated, with stirring, at room temperature, with 3.1% w/v hydrogen bromide in acetic acid (3.55 ml). The mixture was stirred for min. until the yellow colour developed and then anhydrous potassium acetate (0.15 g.) was added to discharge the colour and stop the reaction. The precipitated solid was filtered off, washed with Water and dried in vacuo at 100.

Wt.=1.8 g. (36%), M.P. 180-182, [ul -69 (0, 1 in (II-K31 The filtrate was concentrated under reduced 169-172 and pressure until solid began to precipitate. The mixture was allowed to stand at room temperature for 2 hours, isolated by filtration, washed with dilute acetic acid, water and then dried at 100 in vacuo.

Wt.=1.9 g. (38%), MP. 178-181, [0:] '68.5

I (c, 1 in circl 6 Wt.=0.36 g., M.P. (166) -180, [a1 60 (0, 1 in CHCl The product contained about 40% of the l6-methylene compound and 60% of the 16-methyl- A compound.

' Example 2 3,8-acetoxy-16/3 methyl 16a: 17 a epoxy 5a pregn- 9(11)-en-20-one (1.0 g.) was treated as in Example 1(b) but with 56% aqueous hydiiodic acid (0.04 ml.) instead or" hydrobromic acid. The same product (0.56 g.) MP. -182", [a] =68 (c, 1 in CHCl was isolated.

Example 3 3B-acetoxy 165 methyl-16a: 17oz epoxy 50c pregn- 9(11) en-20-one was treated with 4.02% w/v hydrochloric acid in acetic acid as above in Example 1(b) and this gave the same product (0.61 g.) M.P. 178-180", [ab 68 (c, 1 in CHCI Example 4 3/3-acetoxy 16,5 methyl-16a: 17a epoxy Sdpregn- 9(l1)-en-20-one (0.94 g.) in methylene chloride (10 ml.) was treated with 50% aqueous hydrobromic acid (10 ml.) atroom temperature for 1 hour and gave a product (0.55 g.), M.P. 178-182, [a1 +70 (c, 1 in CHCl believed to contain about 60% of the 16-rnethyl- A compound.

Example 5 Time (mins.): a 0 +1.5 1 +0.9 3 1 +0.79 6 +0.98 8 +1.13 11 +1.27 15 +1.42 18 +1.52

potassium acetate and Worked up in the same manner to yield a product (0.15 g.) having M.P. 180-182", [M 71 (c, 1 in CHCI Example 7 When 3;8-acetoxy-16,8-methy1-16a: 17u-epoxy-5a-pregu- 9(11)-en-20-one (0.5 g.) was shaken at room temperature for 4 hours in a two-phase system'consisting of benzene (10 ml), water 10 ml.) and formic acid (0.2 ml.), unchanged starting material was recovered. When a benzene (10 ml.) and formic acid (1.0 ml.) mixture was used a mixture of starting material containing some of the'rearrangement product was formed as indicated by the rotation ([oc] =+50). When, however, this mixture was boiled for 2.5 hours, complete rearrangement occurred as shown by the constants of the final product: MP. ISO-183, [e1 76" (c, 1 in CI{C13). The product contained about 70% of the IG-rnethylene compound.

Example 8 (A 35-ACETOXY-1 7a-HYDROXY-16-METHYLENE-5 a- PREGN-9 (11)EN-20ONE 3;? acetoxy l6azl7a-epoxy 16p methyI-Saregna Z 9(l1)-en-20-one (6.0 g.) in solution in pure dioxan (50 ml.) was treated at room temperature with a 2.2% (w/v) solution of hydrogen bromide in acetic acid (1.0 ml.). The specific rotation of the steroid fell from [011 +63 and became steady at [11] 36 in 12 minutes. Crystals began to separate after 13 minutes and after 15 minutes the suspension was diluted with water to 400 ml. The crystalline product (5.9 g.), M.P. 178-180, [a] 80 (c, 1.4 in CHCI was filtered ofi, washed with water and dried at 0.1 mm./ 100 C. for 3.5 hours. crystallisation of the crude product (4.0 g.) from ethyl acetate (20 ml.) gave the 16-methylene-compound (2.89 g.) as needles, M.P. 181l82, [al 81 (c, 1.15 in CHCl (Found: C, 74.8; H, 8.9. C H O requires C, 74.7, H, 8.9%.) Other similar experiments were carried out as in the following table.

(B) 3-fl-ACETOXY-17a-HYDROXY-16B-METHYL-5a- PREGN-Q (11)-EN-20-ONE 318 acetoxy 17a hydroxy 16 methylene-Sa-pregn- 9(11)-en-20-one 3.0 g.) in absolute ethanol 50 ml.)

was added to a suspension of Adams platinum catalyst (193 mg.) which had been pre-reduced in absolute ethanol (100 ml). The mixture was shaken under hydrogen, when 1 mole of hydrogen was absorbed in 25 min. The reduction was stopped at 50 min, when 1.04 moles had been absorbed, and the catalyst was removed by filtration through kieselguhr. Evaporation of the filtrate to dryness in vacuo left a residue (2.99), consisting essentially" of the lofi-methyl-compound, as plates, [a1 +30.3 (c, 2.77 in dioxan). This material contained 5-10% of the 16a-epimer. Successive crystallisations of the hydrogenation product (1.9) from 95% aqueous methanol, methanol and pyridine (twice) gave 3B-acetoxy-lh-hydroxy-16,9-methyl 5a pregn-9(11)-en-20-one (760 mg), [ab +33 (c, 2.75 in dioxan). This ma- .terial contained less than 5% of the 16cr-isomer.

Example 9 3B-ACETOXY-17a-HYDROXY-16-METHYLENE-5a- PREGNANE-llQO-DIONE 319 acetoxy 16a: 17a epoxy 16 8 methyl-5u-pregnane-ll,20 dione (500 mg.) in pure dioxan (25 ml.) was treated at room temperature with a 2.2% solution of hydrogen bromide in acetic acid (1.0 ml.). The specific rotation of the steroid fell from +65? and became steady at +2 in 40-45 minutes. After 50 min. the solution was poured into water (170 ml.) and the precipitated product (450 mg), 25 (c, 1.4 in CHCl was collected by filtration and washed with water, and dried. Crystallisation from acetone-hexane, gave the 16-methylene compound (174 mg.) M.P. 187-189 [aJ -42 (c, 1.28 in CHCl (Found C, 71.1; H, 8.5, C H O requires C, 71.6; H, 8.5%.)

Example 3fi-acetoxy-16B methyl 16:17u epoxy 50c pregn- 9(11)-en-20-one (2.8 g.) in chloroform (60 ml.) was treated with a solution of chlorine (0.44 g., 1 equiv.) in carbon tetrachloride (11.2 ml.). The yellow colour was discharged immediately. After standing for 10 min.

the solution was washed successively with dilute aqueous sodium thiosulphate and water. The organic solution was dried (MgSO and the solvent was removed to leave a pale yellow crystalline solid (3.28 g., 99% M.P. 184- 188. Crystallisation from acetone gave 3,8-acetoxy- PREPARATION OF 3B-ACETOXY-9a 11B-DICHLORO-17a- HYDROXY I6-METHYLENE-5aPREGNAN-20-ON E (a) In di0xan.-3 3-acetoxy-9a:11fi-dichloro-16a:17erepoxy-16B-methyl-5a-pregnan-20-one (500 mg.) in pure dioxan (25 ml.) was treated at room temperature with a 2.2% solution of hydrogen bromide in acetic acid (1.0 ml.). The specific rotation of the steroid fell from +53 and became steady at -|0.5 in 35-40 min. After 46 min. the solution was poured into water, and the precipitated product (479 mg), [0:1 23.5" (c, 1.0 in CHCl was collected by filtration, washed with water, and dried. Crystallisation from acetone-hexane gave the 16-methylene-compound (292 mg), M.P. 189 (decomp), [aJ -29 (c, 1.48 in CHClg).

(b) In acetic acid.The epoxide (8.9 'g.) was dissolved in a mixture of methylene chloride (40 ml.) and glacial acetic acid (340 ml.) and treatedwith' a solution of hydrogen bromide in glacial acetic acid (8.9 ml. of a solution containing 2.2 g. HBr in 100 ml.). The mixture was kept at room temperature until the rotation had fallen to a constant value (ca. 15 min); the colour of the solution was a greenish-blue. The mixture was poured into a large volume of 1% sodium acetate solution. The product was extracted with methylene chloride, the organic layer was washed successively with water, aqueous sodium bicarbonate and water, dried (MgSO and the solvent removed to give a yellow solid. This product was crystallised from acetone-hexane and dried at -90 in vacuo furnishing 3 8-acetoxy-9u:11/3-dichloro-16-methylene-17a-hydroxy-5a-pregnzin-ZO-one (7.4 g., 83%), M.P. 193-195, [0111) --34 (c, 0.94 in CHCl Found: C, 63.1; H, 7.5; Cl, 15.2. C H O Cl requires C, 63.0; H, 7.5; Cl, 15.5%.)

Example 12 y HYDROGENATION AND HYDROGENOLYSIS OF 3,6-ACET- OXY-Qa: 1lfi-DICHLORO-17a-HYDROXI-1G-METHYLENE- 5a-PREGNAN-20-ONE The title compound prepared as in Example ll(b) above: (457 mg., 1 m. mole) in tetrahydrofuran (15 ml., freshly distilled, peroxide free) was added to a prereduced suspension of Adams platinum oxide (50 mg.) in tetrahydrofuran (30 ml.). Reduction, initially rapid, slowed down and was complete after 2.5 hr. Total uptake of hydrogen was 35 ml. The catalyst was removed by filtration and the filtrate was added to a pre-reduced suspension of 10% palladium on charcoal mg.) in tetrahydrofuran (10 ml.) containing triethylamine (0.42 ml., 3 equivs.); Hydrogenolysis proceeded rapidly and stopped when 20.4. ml. of hydrogen had been used in 90 min. The catalyst was filtered ofi and the product was isolated by pouring the filtrate into water. The white solid (340 mg.) was washed and thoroughly dried, [a] +24 (c, 1.2 in dioxan). Two orystallisations from methanol gave white needles, M.P. -1729, [41],; +25 (c, 1.0 in dioxan): (Found: C, 74.5; H, 9.1. Cale. for C d-I 0: C, 74.2; H, 93%.) The product appeared to be a mixture of y 1601- and l6 8-methy1-3fl-acetoxy-17ahydroxy-5a-pregn-9(11)-en-20-one which could not be separated.

An alternative method for removing the chlorine atoms from the hydrogenation product involved the use of chromous chloride. The hydrogenation product (440 mg. from a PtO /EtOAc reduction) in acetone (20 ml.) was treated (with swirling and under nitrogen) with chromous chloride solution (5 ml, ca. 1 N). After 15 min. the reaction mixture was poured into a dilute solution of sodium bicarbonate. The solid was filtered off, and dissolved in ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water dried (idgSO Removal of the solvent left a white solid (330 mg), [a] +25 (dioxan). 'Crystallisation from methanol furnished white needles, M.P. 168-174", [11] +25 (c, 0.62 in dioxan) wmch resembled the product obtained by hydrogenolysis as described above.

Example 13 (A) 3fi-HYDROXY-l s-ntuTHxL-sa-PnnoNa-a (11),16- DIEN-20-ONE 3fi-acetoxy-l6-methyl-5a-pregna-9 11),16-dien-20 one (1.07 g.), dissolved in the minimum of cold methylene chloride (ca. 6 ml), was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours with methanolic perchloric acid (0.27 N, 70 ml.). The reaction mixture was poured into water (500 ml.), the precipitated solid filtered ofi, washed wel with water and dried. The crude product (980 mg.) was crystallised from acetone to furnish 3fi-hydroxy-l6- methyl-a-pregna-9(11),16-dien-20-one (750 mg), M.P. 198-199, [aJ +59 (c, 1.0 in 01-5131 (Found: C, 80.4; H, 9.7%. C H O requires C, 80.4; H, 9.8%.)

PREGN-9 (11) -EN20ONE (i) To a solution or" 35-hydroxy-16-methyl-5a-pregna- 9(11),l6-dien-20-one (5 g.) in methylene chloride (37 ml.), methanol (200 ml.) and water (40 ml.) was added hydrogen peroxide (100 vol, ml.) followed by aqueous sodium hydroxide (2.5 N, ml). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours during which time some solid material separated out. The total reaction mixture was poured into water and extracted with methylene chloride. The organic extracts were repeatedly washed with water, until free of both alkali and peroxide, dried (MgSO and evaporated to dryness. The residue (5.25 g.) was crystallised from acetone-nhexane to furnish 161x: l7u-epoxy-3fl-hydroxy-l6 3-methyl- 5e-pregn-9(l1)-en-20-one (3.64 g.), M.P. 173-174", [a1 +76 (0, 1.0 in CHCl The mother liquors furnished a second crop (0.45 g.) M.P. 172-173", [ab +75 (CI-ICl (ii) Sfi-acetoxy-l6-methyl-5a-pregna-9 1 1 ,16-dien-20- one (10.5 g.) dissolved in methylene chloride (100 ml), methanol (800 ml.) and water (160 ml.) was treated, as above, with hydrogen peroxide 100 vol., 60 ml.) and aqueous sodium hydroxide (2.5 N, 80 ml.) at room temperaturc for 16 hours. Working up, as above, and crystallisation from acetone-nhexane gave 16a:17a-epoxy- 3,8 hydroxy 16,8 methyl 5a pregn 9(11) en- 20-one (7.7 g-,) M.P. 171-173, [11],; .+7S (c, O.95 in Cit-I01 (C) 17a-DIHYDROXY-1fi-METI-IYLENE-oa-PREGN- 9 (11)-EN-20-ONE A solution of hydrogen bromide in acetic acid (2.2% w/v: 5 ml.) was added to a solution OflGaCI7a-BPOXY- 3,8 hydroxy 1'66 methyl 50c pregn 9(11) en- 20-one (5 g.) in 'redistilled dioxan (250 ml.). A portion was removed from the reaction mixture and its rotation was followed. After 10 minutes the rotation reached a constant value and did not change during a further 10 minutes. The total reaction mixture was then poured into dilute sodium acetate solution, the precipitated solid was filtered olT, washed with water and dried. Crystallisation of the crude product (4.7 g.) from chloroform gave 3,8:170: dihydroxy 16 methylene 5a pre r- 9(11)-en-20-one (3.12 g.) M.P. 238-240, [u] -93.5 (c, 0.95 in CHCl (Found: C, 76.3; H, 9.5%. 6 1-1 0 requires C, 76.7; H, 9.4%.) The mother liquors furnished a second crop (1.07 g.), M.P. 237-240", [a], -'92.5.

(D) HYDROGENATION OF 35:17tz-DIHYDROXY-16- METHYLENE-Sa-PREGN-S (11) -EN-20-ONE 3,8:17a dihydroxy 16 methylene 5a pregn- 9(11)-en-20-one (l g.) in ethanol ml.) was added to a prereduced suspension of Adams platinum oxide catalyst (59 mg.) in ethanol (30 ml.) and the mixture was shaken in hydrogen at room temperature and at atmospheric pressure. One mol. equiv. of hydrogen was consumed in 30 minutes. A further 0.1 mol was con sumed in a further 30 minutes at which point the hydrogenation was stopped. The catalyst was filtered off and the filtrate evaporated to dryness in Vacuo. The total crude product had [01] +325 (0, 0.85 in dioxan).

(E 3 B-ACETOXY-l 7 a-HYDR OXY-l (SH-METHYL- 5 a-PREGN- 9 1 l -E N-2 0-O NE The crude product (150 mg. from a hydrogenation similar to the one above) in pyridine (5 ml.) was treated with acetic anhydride (3 ml.) at room temperature for ca. 18 hr. The reaction mixture was poured into Water and extracted with methylene chloride. The oragnic extract was washed successively with dilute hydrochloric acid, water, saturated sodium bicarbonate and water, dried (MgSO and evaporated to dryness. crystallisation of the residue from methanol gave 3B-acetoxy-17w hydroxy 16B methyl 5a pregn 9(11) en 20- one (83 mg.) M.P. 174-178" [04] +32 (c, 0.7 in dioxan).

The crude product (750 mg. from the hydrogenation described in (D) above) in chloroform (110 ml.) was treated with chlorine (1.1 mol. eq.) in carbon tetrachloride (6.25 ml.) at room temperature for 3 minutes. The chloroform solution was washed successively with dilute sodium thiosulphate solution and water, dried (MgSO wd evaporated in vacuo Trituration of the residue with cold acetone gave a white solid which when crystallised from chloroform furnished 9a:11,8-dichloro-3fl:17x-dihydroxy-16B-methyl-5wpregnan-ZO-one (335 mg), M.P. 201-204", [0:1 +75 (c, 0.52 in diOXan).

Example 14" (A) PREPARATION OF THE 16: 17-PYRAZOLINE CF35- ACETOXY-5a-PREGN-16-ENE-11 20-DIONE- amide (N.N.P.).3/3-acetoxy-5a-pregn-16-ene-l1:20 dia brisk nitrogen stream was bubbled through to remove I excess diazomethane. vWhen the colour of thesolution indicated that diazomethane was absent, the two phases were separated and the aqueous phase extracted with methylene chloride (3 X400 1111.), the bulked methylene chloride extract washed with water- (3 X500 ml.) and taken to dryness finally under reduced pressure. white solid product was broken up under petroleum (B.P.40-60, 600 ml), filtered and dried at '60/0.l

mm. for 3 hours, yield 191 g, M.P. l76176.5 dec.

(ii) Using N-nitroso-N-methylurea.3B-acetoxy-Supregn-16-ene-ll:20-dione (200 g.) was dissolved in methylene chloride (2 l.) and cooled to 5 in a 5 1. threenecked flask fitted with stirrer, thermometer, nitrogen inlet'and dropping funnel. The solution was stirred'and cooled to 5 while nitrosomethylurea g. 10% moisture) was added.

Potassium hydroxide (45% solution, 220 ml.) was run in with stirring at such a'rate as to keep the temperature between 5 and 0 (ca. 30-45 min.) then the-reaction Thev "diluted carefully with water .(1 litre).

(300 ml.) and dried at 60/0.1 min. for 3 hrs.

- 11 mixture was allowed to warm to 20 over 90 min. and ice water (1.5 1.) added. Nitrogen was bubbled through the reaction mixture until the diazomethane colour was removed. The two layers were separated and worked up as under (A) above. Yield 200.3 g., M.P. 175178 dec. [a] =+111 (c, 1in CHCl (B) PREPARATION OF 3B-ACETOXY-16-HETHYL5a- PREGN-lG-ENE-ll 1 ZO-DIONE The 16:17-pyrazoline of 3/3-aceto'xy-5a-pregn-l6-ene- 11220 dione (200 g.) was added to diethylene glycol (660 ml.) maintained at l87i2 with stirring over 8 minutes. The solution which turned yellow and eilervesced during the addition was held at this temperature for a further 10 minutes, cooled rapidly to ca. 90 and The suspension was allowed to cool to room temperature overnight and the crystals were collected on a sintered plate, washed thoroughly with water and dried at 100/0.l for '4 hours.

This crude product was dissolved in methanol (3.2 l.) and allowed to cool to overnight. 'The crystals were collected by filtration, washed with ice-cold methanol Yield 116 g., M.P. 169170 [a] =+25 (c, in CHCl (C) 3B-ACETOXY-16a 17a-EPOXY-16fl-METHYL-5a- PREGNANE-ll 2O DIONE N-sodium hydroxide solution (20 ml.) was added dropwise to a stirred mixture of 3/8-acetoxy-16-methyl- 5a-pregn-16-ene-11:20 dione g.), methylene chloride (50 ml.), methanol (400 ml), 100 volume hydrogen peroxide (30 ml.), water (100 ml.). The mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. Addition of Water (750 ml.), extraction with methylene chloride (4x200 ml.) washing the extract with water (4x800 ml.) and removal of the solvent in vacuo gave a crude product (9.2 -g.). This was re-acetylated by heating with acetic anhydride (101111.) and pyridine .(10 ml.) on the steam bath for 30 minutes. The mixture was diluted with water (50 ml.) filtered and solids washed with water (4x20 ml.) and dried at 100 C. in vacuo. The crude.

product (9.8 g.), M.P. 182192 C. was recrystallised from industrial alcohol (50 ml.) to give the pure epoxide (7.1 g.) M.P. 192-196 C., [a] +74 (c, 1.075 in (D) REARRANGEMENT OF 3fi-ACETOXY-16a,17a-EPOXY- 16fi-METHYL-5a-PREGNANE-11,20-DIONE A 3.1% solution of hydrogen bromide in acetic acid (3.6 ml.) was added to a stirred solution of 3B-acetoxy- 16aZ17cL-EPOXY 16fl-methyl Swpregnane 11:20 dione (5 g.) in acetic acid (100 ml.). After stirring for minutes at room temperature the mixture was decolorised by addition of anhydrous potassium acetate (0.1 g.) and water (15 0 ml.) was added. After a further 15 minutes stirring the solid product was collected by filtration, washed with water (4X50 ml.) and dried at 100 C. in vacuo; Yield,.3.92 g. (second crop 0.58 g. from the mother liquors), Recrystallisation from cyclohexane gave the product, M.P. 186-188.5 C., [(11 50.9 (c,

1.178 in c1101.

(i) Hydrogenation with platinum oxide catalyst in acetic .acid.The material obtained according to Example 14(d) (1 g.) was shaken with hydrogen and prereduced Adams platinum oxide catalyst (0.2 g.) in acetic acid (100 ml.). Hydrogenation proceededrapidly until ca. 1.3 moles of hydrogen had been taken up (60 minutes). The mixture was filtered, evaporated to dryness in vacuo and the residue crystallised from cyclohexane to give 0.67 g., M.P. 160161 [0:1 +36.9 (c, 1.165 in CHCl The infra red spectrum indicated that less than 5% of the carbonyl had been reduced.

(ii) Platinum oxide catalyst in methanol-The material obtained according to Example 14(d) (1 g.) was Example 15 (a) To a solution of 3,8-acetoxy-16/3-methyl-16a:17aoxido-5a-pregn-9(1l)-en-20-one (20 g.) in tetrahydrofuran (400 ml.) was added 9 N-sulphuric acid (100 ml.). The resulting homogeneous solution was set aside at room temperature for 72 hours, during which time the oz reading of a sample, followed polarimetrically, decreased from +4.61" to 3.1. Chloroform (600 ml.) and water (400 ml.) were added, the organic phase separated, washed with sodium bicarbonate solution, water and evaporated. The residue was acetylated at 95 for 15 min. with acetic anhydride (40 ml.) and pyridine (40 ml.). by the addition of a little water and the steroid precipitated by the further addition of water totalling 480 ml. The product was collected, washed with water and dried (19.5 g.), [och 51.2 (CHCl Infra-red examination suggested that it contained about of the 16- methyl-lS-en and 20% of the 16-methylene compound. 'The product was recrystallised twice from methanol to give pure 3-acetoxy-17a-hydroxy-16-methyl-5a-pregna- 9(11):15-dien-20-one, M.P. 184-188, 60 (Cl-K11 I The foregoing experiment was repeated with different solvent/acid combinations and the results were as follows:

11 N aqueous HBr Tetrahydrofuran containing Essentially A 10% Acetic Acid. compound.

11 N aqueous H01" Tetrahydroiuran containing Essentially A 5% Acetic Acid. 7 compound.

Example 16 HYDROGENATION OF 3B-ACETOXY-1G-METHYLENE-Sa- PREGN-9(11)EN20-ONE TO YIELD THE I6HMETHYL COMPOUND Freshly prepared Raney nickel (50 g.) was suspended in tetrahydrofuran (200 ml.) and the mixture shaken in hydrogen for 3.5 hours, during which time 370 m1. of hydrogen were absorbed. The 16-methylene compound (5 g.) in tetrahydrofuran (60 ml.) and triethylamine (1.0 ml.) was added to the pre-reduced catalyst and the mxiture shaken in hydrogen overnight. The catalyst was removed by filtration through kieselguhr, washed with tetraliydrofuran, and the combined filtrate and washes concentrated to small bulk and poured into an excess of water. The steroid that precipitated (4.98 g.) was collected, Washed with water and dried, and consisted essentially of the 16p3-methyl compound [a] i0 (c, 1.0 in CHCl Example 17 REARRANGEMENT OF 3B-ACETO XY-16a,17a-EPOXY-16B- METHYL-5a-PREGN-9(11)-EN-20-ONE YVITH HYDRO- GEN BROMIDE IN TETRAHYDROFURAN-ACETIC ACID The epoxide (600 mg), in purified tetrahydrofuran (10 ml), was treated with 2.2% hydrogen bromide in acetic acid (0.2 ml.). The rotation of the solution fell from [M +60" to [oc] .-35 in 80 min., and then re- The excess of acetic anhydride was decomposed 13 maimed unchanged. After 2 hrs. the solution was poured into water, and the precipitated product (560 mg.) 11 79.4 (CHCl was collected by filtration, washed with water, dried, and recrystallised from ethyl acetate, to give the l6-methylene-compound (365 mg, 61%), MP. l79-l82, [M -80.4 (c, 1.52 in CHCI Example 18 (A) PREPARATION OF 3fi-ACETOXY-17a-HYDROXY-16- METHYL-aPREGNA-9 (11) ,15-DIEN-20-ONE (i) 3,8 acetoxy 16a,Hot-epoxy-lfl-rnethyl-ria-pregn- 9(11)-en-20-one (1.0 g.) in methanol (20 ml.) and methylene chloride (11 ml.) was treated with hydrogen bromide in acetic acid (3.2 N; 1.0 ml.). The rotation fell from a :l-2.Q to a :l.Z5 in 22 hrs, and remained steady for a further 2 hrs. The solution was then shaken with water (200 ml.) and methylene chloride (50 ml), and the aqueous layer was extracted with more methylene chloride (3 x ml.). The combined methylone chloride extracts were washed with aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate and water and dried over magnesium sulphate. Removal of the solvent from the dried extract in vacuo left a residue (922 mg), [ab 59.5 (c, 0.86 in CHCl which, from its infrared spectrum, contained ca. 40% of I've-acetate.

The solid was heated at 100 for 30 min. in dry pyridine (10 ml.) and acetic anhydride (10 ml), and the mixture was poured into ice-water (200 ml.). The precipitated product (952 mg), M.P. 153-166", [a1 55 (c, 0.99 in CHCl was collected by filtration. Crystallisation of part (800 mg.) from ethyl acetate gave needles (516 mg.) of 3,3 acetoxy-l7u-hydroxy-16-niethyl-5a-pregna-9(11), 1S-dien-20-one, MP. 179-182", [al 63.5 (c, 0.93 in CHCl containing some of the 16-methylene isomer.

(ii) l6a,l7a epoXy-fv'B-hydrOXy-l6;3-metl1yl-5a-pregt1- 9(11)-en-20-cne (5.0 g.) was treated as in the preceding experiment i to give, after acetylation, a crude product (5.824 g.), [@1 33 (Ci-1G Crystallisation from ethyl acetate gave impure 16-methy'l-A -compound in two crops, the first crop (3.30 g.) having MP. 179182, [ab 64.3' (c, 1.5 in (Ii-101 [011 -43.5 (c, 2.0 in dioxan), and the second crop (573 mg), Ml 178-482", [111 -64.1 (c, 1.92 in CHCl The mother liquor material was separated into hexane-insoluble (460mg) and hexane-soluble (1.2 g.) fractions. The insoluble fraction crystallised from methanol to give purer 16-methyl-A -compound (200 mg), [0:1 60.6 (c, 1.56 in CHCI a The impure 16-methyl-A -ccmpound (3.0 g.) from the first crop, containing some of the 16-methylene isomer, in solution in pure dicxan (150 ml.) was treated with boron trifluoride etherate (3.0 ml.) at room temperature. During 75 min. the rotation of the solution changed steadily from [x1 -42.5 to [ab -28, and was continuing to rise. D-hornoannulation of the l6-rnethylene compound is complete under these conditions. The solution was then poured into ice-water (1290 m1.), and

after 2 hrs. the precipitated product (2.91 g.),' [a1 42 (CHCl was coliected by filtration, washed with water, and dried. One crystallisation from hexane (1000 ml. cone. to 400 ml.) gave the 16-methyl-n -compound as needles (1.98 g.), MP. 182-184", [a1 -63" (c, 1.24 in CHCl Further crystallisations from hexane, then from methanol gave the analytical sample (1.10 g.), MP. 183.5-185", [aJ -61-4 (c, 1.22 in CHC1 (found: C, 75.0; H, 9.0; (3 1-1 0 requires C, 74.6; H, 9%

(B) HYDROGENATION OF 3B-ACE-TOXY-17a-HYDROXY- 16l\IETHYL-5a-PREGNA-9 (11) ,15-DIE N--ONE With a platinum cataZyst.The 16-methyl-(l1),1- dienone obtained as in (A) above (149 mg.) in ethyl alcohol (15 ml.) was hydrogenated over a pre-reduced Adams catalyst (15 mg.) in the usual way. Theuptake of hydrogen ceased at ca. 0.86 mol. The product was PRODUCT TO 911,115-DICHLORO-3fi,17a-DIHYDROXY- 16B-METHYL-5a-PREGNAN-ZO-ONE The 16-methylene-compound (recrystallised; 20 g.) in ethanol (1 l.) was hydrogenated in presence of Adams catalyst (1.37 g.) by the method described in Example 14. 1e crude product (19.8 g.) had [11] +28.7 (c, 1.81 in dioxan).

A portion (6.3 g.) of this material was treated, in methanol (186 1111.), with a solution of potassium bicarbonate (3.88 g.) in water (76 ml.). The mixture was boiled under reflux for 4.5 hrs., diluted with water (250 ml), cooled, and filtered. The solid weighted 5.26 g. and had [11] +30.1 (dioxan).

A portion (3.0 g.) of this material, in acetic acid (300 ml.), was treated with a solution of chlorine (1:1 molar equivalents) in carbon tetrachloride. he mixture was left in the dark for 5 minutes, while nitrogen was passed through. Aqueous sodium acetate (1%; ml.). was added and the mixture was poured into 1% aqueous sodium acetate (900 ml.). The mixture was stored in the refrigerator overnight, filtered, washed with water, and dried at 50 in vacuo. The product (3.12 g; [11] +68.9 in dioxan) was crystallised from chloroform to give the pure 9a, lB-dichloro-3B,17a-diol (2.34 g.) MP. 192194, [a] +75 (c, 0.5 in dioxan).

We claim:

1. A process for the preparation of a product which is a 17a-hydroxy-16-methyl-20-keto allopregnane in which the 16fl-methyl isomer predominates, which process comprises contacting a 16:17-epoxy-lfi-methyl-ZO-keto allopregnane with an acid catalyst in a substantially anhydrous solvent medium of low ionising power to rearrange said last-mentioned compound to produce a mixture of l6-methyleneand Ai -compounds in which the 16-methylene compound is in excess and hydrogenating said mixture in the presence of a catalyst selected from the group consisting of a platinum hydrogenation catalyst and a Raney nickel catalyst to produce said product.

2. A process as claimed in claim 1 in which said solvent medium is an ether.

3. A process as claimed in claim 2 in which said solvent medium is a cyclic ether.

4. A process as claimed in claim 2 in which the solvent is selected from the group consisting of dioxan, tetrahydrofuran, diethyl ether and di-isopropyl ether.

5. A process as claimed in claim 1 in which the prodnet of rearrangement is fractionally crystallised to separate the 16-methylene compound therefrom, which compound is then subjected to hydrogenation.

6. A process as claimed in claim 1 in which the acid catalyst is a strong acid.

7. A process as claimed in claim 6 in which said acid is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen bromide, hydrogen chloride, sulphuric acid, perchloric acid and formic acid. 7

8. A process as claimed in claim 1 in which the hydrogenation catalyst is selected from the group consisting of platinum metal, platinum supported on charcoal and platinum supported on silica.

9. A process as claimed in claim 8 in which the hydrogenation is carried out under non-alkaline conditions,

1.0. A process as claimed in claim 1 in which the hydro- I genation catalyst is Raney nickel and the hydrogenation is carried out under basic conditions.

Ro- H and a compound having the formula 7 C 0 V I O XMN I CH3 where R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and an acyl group, X is selected from the group consisting of a keto, acyloxy, hydroxy and chlo'ro group, and Y is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and chlorine atoms.

12. A process as claimed in claim 1 in which said 16: 17-epoxy steroid is obtained by reaction of the corresponding A -steroid with hydrogen peroxide under alkaline conditions.

13. A process for the preparation of a mixture of a 17cz-hYdIOXY-16-m6thYln-20-k6t0 allopregnane and a l7a-hydrox -16-methyl-20-keto-A -allopregriane in which the l6-methylene compound is in excess, which process comprises contacting a 16:l7-epoxy-l65-methyl-20-keto allopregnane with a substantially anhydrous mixture of an acid catalyst and a solvent medium of low ionising power to-rearrange said last-mentioned compound.

14. A process for the preparation of a product which is a l7a-hydroxy-l6-methyl-20-keto allopregnane in which the l6fi-methyl isomer predominates, which process comprises hydrogenating a mixture of a 17a-hydroxy-l6-methylene-20-keto allopregnane and a 17u-hydroxy-l6-methyl- 20-keto-A allopregnane in which the l6-methylene compound is in excess in the presence of a catalyst selected from the group consisting of a platinum hydrogenation catalyst and. a Raney nickel catalyst.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Beyler Sept. 27, 1960 OTHER REFERENCES 

1. A PROCESS FOR THE PREPARTION OF A PRODUCT WHICH IS A 17A-HYDROXY-16-METHYL-20KETO ALLOPREGNANE IN WHICH THE 16B-METHYL ISOMER PREDOMINATES, WHICH PROCESS COMPRISES CONTACTING A 16:17-EPOXY-16M-METHYL-20-KETO ALLOPREGNANE WITH AN ACID CATALYST IN A SUBSTANILLY ANHYDROUS SOLVENT MEDIUM OF LOW IONISING POWER TO REARRANGE SAID LAST-MENTIONED COMPOUND TO PRODUCE A MIXTURE OF 16-METHYLENE- AND *15COMPOUNDS IN WHICH THE 16-METHYLENE COMPOUND IS IN EXCESS AND HADROGENGENATING SAID MIXTURE IN THE PRESENCE OF A CATAYST SELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OF A PLATIUM HYDROGENATION CATALYST AND A RANEY NICKEL CATALYST TO PRODUCE SAID PRODUCT. 